Mailboat Records
2002
Far Side Of The World
About This Album
It's easy to compare any singer to their best work, though not always very helpful. In fact, comparing Far Side of the World to A-1-A or A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean is a little like comparing steak to seafood. They're simply two different entrées, and while someone may like steak and dislike seafood, a number of discerning individuals like both. Critics and certain fans may prefer Jimmy Buffett's 1970s output, but the head parrot has long ago sailed on to smoother waters. It's probably more helpful to compare Far Side of the World to albums like Banana Wind and Fruitcakes, where Buffett settled into his role as elder statesman of sun, surf, and sand fantasies. First of all, the arrangements and production on Far Side of the World vary quite a bit from these earlier 1990s efforts. The rich vocal harmony in "Blue Guitar" evokes Paul Simon's Graceland, while the dirty slide guitar of "Last Man Standing" casts a glance back at Little Feat. Still, the basic approach remains the same. Funny songs like "What if the Hokey-Pokey Is All It Really Is About?" remind one of "Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost" (Fruitcakes), while self-referential pieces like "Altered Boy" recall "Only Time Will Tell" and "Cultural Infidel" (Banana Wind).
Track List (try tracks 1,6,7 and 11)

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